Teal season begins early in Wisconsin

SUAMICO - Some hunters are getting excited. Labor Day marks the start of Wisconsin's first early teal season.

Teal has always been a part of the state's duck hunting season that begins in October but experts say the teal population is healthy enough to support an early season.

This will be the first of the three year experimental early teal season.

The DNR says it's something many waterfowl hunters have been asking for. But some are concerned about being able to identify the teal from other ducks, especially if they aren't fully developed yet.

Jeff Pritzl, wildlife supervisor, says, "one of the issues is are we going to have hunters out there that don't have proficiency participating but how do you get that proficiency? Part of it is through experience and so we encourage people to go out and observe and participate yet if they're not sure, just don't take the shot until you're absolutely positive it's a teal and just enjoy that time outside."

The season begins Monday and runs through next Sunday. Shooting hours for opening day are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours for all other days of the season are sunrise to 7 p.m.